gh-s-q

Description

The Arabic root غسق (gh-s-q) fundamentally conveys the meaning of deep darkness, particularly the darkness of night when it intensifies and spreads, as well as fluid discharge or exudation. In the Quran, it appears most notably in Surah Al-Isra (17:78) referring to the darkening of night (ghasaq al-layl) as a time marker for prayer, and in descriptions of Hell where it denotes a dark, foul-smelling discharge (ghassaq) that sinners will taste as punishment. The root thus connects physical darkness with spiritual corruption and divine retribution, using the imagery of overwhelming obscurity and noxious fluid to emphasize both temporal boundaries in worship and the severe consequences of disbelief.